Epson ActionPrinter 4500X, ActionPrinter 4000X Owner's Manual
4000/4500
User’s
Manual
4000288
C01-00
EPSON”~p~
4000/4500
User'’s Manual
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
.
Reorient or relocate
.
Increase the
.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the
user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this
equipment
interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Epson America, Inc., could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits
applicables aux appareils num&iques de Classe B prescrites darts le reglement sur le
brouillage
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any
or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent
liability is
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
resulting from the use of information contained herein.
Epson America, Inc. shall not be liable against any damages arising from the use of any
options other than those designated as Original Epson Products by Seiko Epson
Corporation.
has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital
the
receiving
separation
has
more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
radio&ctriques
assumed with
between the equipment and receiver
edict6 par le
respect to the use of information contained herein. While every
antenna
WARNING
FOR CANADIAN USERS
radio&ctriques
Minis&e
des
Communications
means,
mechanical, photocopying. recording
depassant les limites
du Canada.
damages
Epson and Epson ESC/P are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1990 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
1.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
2.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
3.
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
Do not use this product near water.
4.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
5.
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
6.
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over
a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a
built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
This product should be operated from the type of power source
7.
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a
8.
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.
9.
iii
10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that
the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the
extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.
11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing
those covers that are marked “Do Not Remove” may expose you
to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing in
those compartments to service personnel.
13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A.
When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
B.
If liquid has been spilled into the product.
C.
If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
iv
D.
If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions, since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal operation.
E.
If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
F.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
Contents
Introduction
Features.
Options
About This Manual
Where to Get Help.
..........................................
...........................................
.................................
.................................
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer.
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Assembling the Printer.
Testing the Printer.
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
Setting Up Your Application Software
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Chapter 2 Paper Handling
Selecting a Paper Feeding Method
Using Single Sheets
Using Continuous Paper
.................................
............................
Switching Between Continuous and Single Sheets
Printing on Special Paper.
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1
1
2
5
6
1-1
1-2
1-5
1-7
1-15
1-22
1-25
2-1
2-2
2-4
2-8
2-16
2-23
Chapter 3 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panel
Selecting Typestyles
................................
Setting the DIP Switches.
Page Length
Skip Over Perforation.
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..............................
Adjusting the Loading Position.
Using Short Tear-off
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3-1
3-2
3-6
3-11
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-19
V
Selecting an International Character Set
Choosing a Character Set
Using the Data Dump Mode
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3-22
3-24
3-26
Chapter 4 Software and Graphics
Enhancing Your Printing
Graphics
..........................................
User-defined Characters.
............................
............................
Chapter 5 Using the Printer Options
The Cut Sheet Feeder
The Pull Tractor
The Interface Boards
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................................
Chanter 6 Maintenance
Cleaning the Printer
Replacing the Ribbon
Transporting the Printer.
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Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Printing
Paper Handling
...........................................
....................................
Options.. .........................................
4-1
4-2
4-7
4-17
5-1
5-2
5-24
5-37
6-1
6-2
6-4
6-10
7-1
7-2
7-7
7-10
Chapter 8 Technical Specifications
Printer Specifications
Interface Specifications
Option Specifications
Initialization
vi
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8-1
8-2
8-9
8-13
8-15
Chapter 9 Command Summary
Using the Command Summary.
Commands in Numerical Order.
Commands Arranged by Topic.
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9-1
9-2
9-5
9-8
Appendix
Proportional Width Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-1
A-2
A-6
Glossary
Index
vii
Introduction
The Epson® ActionPrinter 4000 and ActionPrinter 4500 are advanced
24-pin dot matrix printers combining compact design and high
performance with a wide range of features.
Features
In addition to the high-quality printing and ease of operation you
have come to expect from Epson printers, the ActionPrinter 4000 and
ActionPrinter 4500 offer the following features:
Easy paper handling, featuring automatic single-sheet loading.
Compatibility with the Epson ESC/P® commands used by the
LQ-500, LQ-510, LQ-800, LQ-850, LQ-950, LQ-1000, LQ-1010,
LQ-1050, LQ-1500, LQ-2500, and LQ-2550.
Fast draft mode printing of up to 192 characters per second at
12 cpi (characters per inch).
An improved control panel design that allows direct selection of
character fonts, as well as a choice of normal or condensed
printing.
The SmartPark™ paper handling system, which allows use of
single sheets of paper without removing the continuous paper,
eliminates paper waste with short tear-off, and allows easy and
accurate paper alignment.
Nine built-in Letter Quality fonts for producing high-quality
documents:
Epson Roman, Epson San Serif, Epson Courier, Epson
Prestige, OCR-B, OCR-A, Epson Script, Epson Orator,
Epson Orator-S
A 360 x 360 dot per inch graphics mode.
Introduction 1
Introduction
l
A micro-adjustment feature that allows you to feed the paper
forward or backward to finely adjust the loading and short tearoff positions.
l
Fifteen international character sets, an italic character set, and
five graphics character sets.
l
The ability to handle a wide range of paper types, including
envelopes and labels.
The ActionPrinter 4000 and ActionPrinter 4500 are basically the
same printer except for the width of their carriages. The
ActionPrinter 4000 has a standard width carriage that accommodates
paper up to a width of 10 inches. The ActionPrinter 4500 has a wide
carriage that accommodates paper up to a width of 14 inches.
Throughout this manual, theActionPrinter 4000 is referred to as the
standard width printer and the ActionPrinter 4500 is referred to as
the wide carriage printer.
Options
A variety of printer options is available for use with your printer.
For detailed information on installing and using these options, see
Chapter 5.
To locate or purchase options or supplies, call Epson Accessories, Inc. at
1-800-873-7766.
l
Film Ribbon Cartridge (#7768/#7770)
An optional film ribbon cartridge provides you with even higher
quality printing than the standard fabric ribbon.
2 Introduction
Single-bin Cut Sheet Feeder (C806122/806242)
l
The cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheetThe cut sheet feeder makes it possible to handle single-sheet
paper more easily and more efficiently. Up to 150 sheets of
standard bond paper can be automatically fed into the printerstandard bond paper can be automatically fed into the printer
without reloading.without reloading.
Introduction
l
Pull Tractor Unit (C800062/C800142)
This option improves the performance of continuous paper
handling. It is especially useful with continuous multi-part
forms.
Introduction 3
Introduction
l Interface Boards
Optional interface boards are available to supplement the
printer’s built-in parallel interface. Guidelines for choosing the
right interface and instructions on installing the boards are given
in Chapter 5.
About This Manual
This user's manual provides fully illustrated, step-by-step
instructions on setting up and operating your printer.
Finding your way around
l
Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking, setting up, testing,
and connecting the printer. Be sure to read and follow these
instructions first. Inside the back cover of this manual are
illustrations of the printer in which all of the major parts are
identified.
l
Chapters 2 and 3 cover paper handling and general printer
operation. This important information is necessary for the
day-today operation of your printer.
4
Introduction
Introduction
l Chapter 4 shows you how to get the most from your printer. It
includes advice on the use of software commands, graphics, and
creating your own user-defined characters. See Chapter 9 for a
useful summary of printer commands.
l If the printer does not operate properly or the printed results are
not what you expect, see Chapter 7 for troubleshooting
instructions.
l
Other chapters and the appendix contain information on printer
options, general maintenance, and specifications. You will also
find a glossary of printer terms.
l
At the back of this manual is a handy Quick Reference card that
contains the information you are most likely to need.
Note: The majority of the illustrations in this manual show the
standard width printer. Whenever necessary, an illustration is
included to show the wide carriage printer.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
WARNINGS
CAUTIONS
1
.
0
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the
operation of your printer.
printer.
must be followed to avoid bodily injury.
must be observed to avoid damage to your
Introduction 5
Introduction
Where to Get Help
A network of authorized Epson Customer Care Centers throughout
the United States offers customer support and service for Epson
products. Epson America provides product information and support
to its dealers and Customer Care Centers.
Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at l-213-782-2606 for
the following referrals:
l
Your nearest Epson dealer
l
The nearest Customer Care Center for parts and service
l Technical assistance.
6 Introduction
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer.
Checking the Parts.
Removing the Protective Materials.
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembling the Printer.
Installing the Platen Knob
InstaIling the Ribbon Cartridge.
Attaching the Paper Guide.
Testing the Printer.
Plugging in the Printer
Running the Self Test
Connecting the Printer to Your Computer
The Parallel Interface
Setting Up Your Application Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1-2
1-2
1-3
1-5
1-7
1-7
1-8
1-13
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-22
1-22
1-25
Setting Up the Printer
1-1
Unpacking the Printer
This section describes how to unpack your printer.
Checking the Parts
When you unpack the printer, make sure that you have all the parts
shown below and that none have been damaged.
paper guide
V
printer
platen knob
ribbon cartridge
After removing the parts, save the packaging materials in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
1-2
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Removing the Protective Materials
The printer is protected during shipping by pieces of white packing
material. Also, the wide carriage printer is protected by a locking
clip, which must be removed before you turn on the printer.
CAUTION:
I
.
0
Follow these steps to remove the protective materials.
1.
2.
be absolutely sure you have removed the locking clip.
Turning on the printer while the clip is attached may
seriously damage the mechanism.
Remove the printer cover.
Remove the pieces of white packing material. At this point, the
standard width printer is completely unpacked.
Before turning on the wide carriage printer,
Setting Up the Printer
1-3
Unpacking
To remove the locking clip on the wide carriage printer, lift and
3.
the Printer
remove the paper tension unit.
Remove the locking clip.
4.
Note:
Store the clip with the other packing material in case you
ever need to transport your printer.
1-4
Setting Up the Printer
Choosing a Place for the Printer
There are several important things to consider when selecting a
place to set up your printer. Keep the following in mind:
Place the printer on a flat, hard, stable surface. A soft surface,
such as a padded counter or carpeted area, will block the
ventilation slots and may cause overheating.
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the printer
cable to reach.
Leave adequate room around the printer to allow for easy printer
operation and maintenance, and for unrestricted flow of air
around the printer.
Use a grounded outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight, excessive heat,
moisture, or dust.
Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or automatic
timers. Accidental interruption of power can wipe out
information in both your computer’s and printer’s memory.
Avoid using outlets that share a circuit with large motors or
electrical appliances; this could cause fluctuations in line voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential sources of
electromagnetic interference such as loudspeakers or the base
units of cordless telephones.
Setting Up the Printer
1-5
Choosing a Place for the Printer
The illustration below shows a good printer location.
Note:
Before using a printer stand, read these requirements and
suggestions.
l
The stand should be able to support at least twice the weight of
the printer.
l
Never use a stand that supports the printer at an angle of
more than 15 degrees from horizontal.
l
With a cut sheet feeder, your printer must be kept level.
l
If your paper supply is positioned below the printer stand,
make sure there is enough clearance to keep the paper from
catching on the underside of the stand. Also, make sure the
distance between the stand supports is wide enough for the
paper you are using.
l
Position your printer’s cables so that they do not interfere with
paper feeding. If possible, secure the cables to the printer stand.
1-6
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
After you’ve decided on the best place to set up your printer, the
next step is to install the platen knob.
Installing the Platen Knob
The platen knob is used to feed the paper manually in the event of a
paper jam or other paper feeding problem. The platen knob is packed
in an indentation in the printers white foam packing material.
1.
Insert the knob into the hole on the printers side and rotate it
slowly until it slips onto the shaft.
Setting
Up the
Printer
1-7
Assembling the Printer
2.
Push firmly on the platen knob until it fits against the printer case.
CAUTION:
I
.
0
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Your printers ribbon cartridge is designed for easy installation and
removal. Before installing the ribbon cartridge, make sure the printer
is turned off.
Install the ribbon cartridge as follows.
position of the paper. This interferes with the automatic
paper loading system and may cause a paper jam.
Do not use the platen knob to adjust the
1-8
Setting Up the Printer
Slide the print head to the middle of the printer.
1.
Assembling the Printer
CAUTION:
I
.
0
2.
turned on because this can damage the printer. Also, if you
have been using the printer, the print head may be hot; let
it cool for a few minutes before touching it.
Turn the ribbon-tightening knob in the direction of the arrow.
This removes slack in the ribbon and makes it easier to install.
Never move the print head while the printer is
Setting Up the Printer
1-9
Assembling
3.
On the standard width printer, open the paper tension unit
the Printer
cover. (On the wide carriage printer, you already removed the
paper tension unit when you removed the locking clip.)
4.
Hold the ribbon cartridge by its handle and push it firmly down
into position, making sure the plastic hooks fit into the slots.
Note:
the plastic
1-10
Press lightly on both ends of the cartridge to make sure
hooks
are properly seated.
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling the Printer
Use a pointed object, such as a ball point pen, to guide the ribbon
5.
between the print head and ribbon guide while you turn the
ribbon-tightening knob to help feed the ribbon into place.
Slide the print head from side to side to make sure it moves
6.
smoothly. Also check that the ribbon is not twisted or creased.
Setting Up the Printer
1-11
Assembling
7.
On the standard width printer, close the paper tension unit
the Printer
cover.
The standard width printer is now complete.
8.
On the wide carriage printer, fit the rear notches of the paper
tension unit over the pins of the printer; then lower the unit.
1-12
Setting Up the Printer
Assembling
9.
Press down on both sides of the paper tension unit to lock it in
the Printer
place.
Attaching the Paper Guide
When you use single sheets, the paper guide helps to feed the paper
smoothly and efficiently into the printer. Attach the paper guide
using the following procedure.
1.
Place the paper guide on the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-13
Assembling the Printer
2.
Raise the paper guide until it locks into place.
Note:
To lower the paper guide, lift up slightly to release it
from its locked position; then gently lower it down onto the
printer.
3.
Attach the printer cover by fitting the hooks on the cover into the
notches at the front of the printer and tilting the cover back into
place.
1-14
Setting Up the Printer
Testing the Printer
Now that your printer is fully assembled, you can use its built-in self
test function to see that the printer is working correctly before you
connect it to a computer. You should perform this test to make sure
that your printer was not damaged during shipping and that the
ribbon is correctly installed.
Before running the self test, you need to connect the printer to an
electrical outlet and load a sheet of paper.
Plugging in the Printer
1.
Make sure that the printer is turned off.
2.
Plug the power cable into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
Running the Self Test
The self test can be run in the draft or Letter Quality mode,
depending on which button you hold down as you turn on the
printer.
Setting Up the Printer
1-15
Testing the Printer
The self test is 8 inches wide on the standard width printer and
14 inches wide on the wide carriage printer.
CAUTION:
t
.
0
Although the self test can be run with continuous paper, use a single
sheet of paper now because single sheet loading is easier.
1.
2.
narrower than 8¼ inches (210 mm) on the standard width
printer or 14 inches (360 mm) on the wide carriage printer.
This prevents the print head from printing directly onto
the platen, which can damage the print head.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
Push the paper release lever back to the single sheet position.
Never run the self test using paper that is
1-16
Setting Up the Printer
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